Molds Are Made to be Broken

John Moleski brings contemporary to Lowcountry classics in this pioneering Palmetto Bluff house.

Wayne Moore

Lowcountry builder John Moleski of JM Designer Properties skipped the traditional and opted for the latest trends in creating his show home that sits front and center in Palmetto Bluff.

John Moleski's eyes glimmer as he points out the features that make his JM Designer Properties show home in Palmetto Bluff stand out from the other million-dollar properties in the upscale Bluffton development. It’s obvious he geeks out with regard to style trends as he gushes about the modern touches his new home brings to a community that tilts more toward the traditional.

“I think the house is still very relatable, but it’s just more on-trend than a lot of the houses in here tend to be,” Moleski says. “I don’t want to build what someone built yesterday. What’s the excitement in that? That’s like buying an 8-track or a record player. I want to be the next thing.”

Moleski certainly has made a splash with his first foray into Palmetto Bluff, the sprawling development where the Lowcountry’s natural resources take center stage. He selected a lot that puts his creation on full display—rather than a secluded spot behind multiple gates, Moleski’s show home sits near the four-way stop through which almost all traffic in the resort flows.

The uniqueness doesn’t end there, though. The home is loaded with contemporary touches that aren’t yet common in the community.

“Most of the homes that are in Palmetto Bluff are pretty traditional, so I wanted to break the mold a little bit,” Moleski says. “I want to differentiate myself from all of the other builders, and I think one way to do that is by incorporating what is really current these days.”

Instead of the typical pine or oak floors, Moleski opted for black walnut throughout the main level, a touch that carries through to the windowsills. In lieu of the reclaimed wood fireplaces common in Palmetto Bluff homes, Moleski created a stunning marble slab that creates a focal point for the room and accentuates the towering 23 foot ceiling, and he skipped the standard wood beams to draw the eye upward, instead featuring a trim design on the ceiling in the same “Knight’s Armor” paint color as the thick casings around the feature window.

That massive window overlooks Mount Pelia​ activity in Palmetto Bluff featuring restaurants and office spaces, as well as ample green space leading to the May River.

A whole hog BBQ showcase, from two of the south’s most legendary Pitmasters, Pat Martin and Sam Jones. Hosted by Alida Hotel this event was a fabulous juxtaposition between Eastern North Carolina style BBQ and Western Tennessee style. Made possible by the Savannah Food and Wine Festival.

Hundreds came to experience Southern charm and hospitality, Savannah Style. The South's best culinary happenings - one exceptional week in Savannah. Iconic and historic coastal venues provided the perfect backdrop for gourmet and fun. South magazine captured the experience at the VIP tent.

Savannah's Riverboat, The Georgia Queen set sail to host the final fundraiser for the 2018 class of Big Wigs, together raising over $100,000 for the Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Foundation. This evening included heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, a silent auction, music and dancing and a contest to crown the Biggest BigWig! Contest categories included: The Biggest Wig, The Pink Ribbon Award and Best Pink Personality.

Plenty of patrons donned masks and beads for an unforgettable Mardi Gras at the Mansion. There unique entertainment, food, and decor including magic fire, beignets, king cake and a photo booth, plus music and dancing, libations, late-night treats, and lots of surprises.

This year's DineSouth sponsored by Fulfillment.com was the greatest yet! South magazine has once again put on a night filled with fantastic food and entertainment. Guests enjoyed delicious food & drinks in the city while getting the opportunity to meet and mingle with the best chefs in the South. The entertainment was amazing with American Idol winner Candice Glover, unique band Velvet Caravan and the acoustic sounds of Annie Allman. The event supported the local Salvation Army.

Mixing the traditional tastes of the south with the local flair of the city, 201 Seafood and Tapas Lounge showcases Savannah's culinary community and their grand opening now gives us full access to some of the best seafood in the Coastal Empire.

Described as the “superbowl of fashion”, Closet Raiders was taped at the Lucas Theatre in front of a live audience. Contestants showed off their personal style fashion knowledge. Hosted by Savannah locals Reneé LaSalle and Kevin Cartee, offered the chance to win a closet full of designer clothes.